Humanizing Capitalism

Abstract

As a global futurist, I believe that humanizing capitalism means to make it ‘people friendly’. Market fundamentalism has twisted capitalism from Adam Smith's mid-1700s vision of a truly free market to a system that has devolved into one that serves one master, short-term exploitation of people and the earth for the sole purpose of making profits for the few. This incredible economic system needs to be changed so it nurtures the human spirit, affirms life, and offers sustainable options we can feel proud to pass on to our children and grandchildren. We must envision a world where people are engaged in a truly free marketplace, with truly fair competition, where people feel excited and nourished by their work, and where technology serves humanity. I make the case that people have the power to change this system so it serves humanity instead of the other way around. This is a call for transcendence.

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